CHAPTER 18: GARDEN OF DECEPTIONS

"What," I muttered, staring at the interface in front of me.

This god is really making things difficult for me. But oddly enough, I don't feel too scared. Fritz is a fine fighter, and he should be able to handle defending Joshua. I know Jean is dead, but Jean was hard to protect, especially with his limited mobility. Besides, Fritz is stronger than I am, so it makes sense that he stays behind to defend.

Meanwhile, Fritz pointed out the direction Jean had indicated, setting us off on our journey. We navigated through various channels and chambers, each one eerily familiar, which made us question if we were on the right path or if the way forward was hidden in plain sight.

Eventually, we reached a balcony that overlooked a garden below.

"Cool garden," I muttered as I leaned my elbows on the railing. Rows of vibrant flowers flowed in a mesmerizing pattern, the sight both calming and surreal.

"They're called Manodils," Joshua explained, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Flowers infused with mana. They have a soft bioluminescence and are incredibly beautiful at night." We all paused, taking in the scene. Behind the flower garden, the land sloped gently downward, and beyond that, the city stretched out before us. The red-tiled roofs formed a patchwork of patterns that spread across the horizon, a sight both intricate and picturesque.

"My father would often bring Jean here. Maybe it was the flowers, or perhaps just the peace of this place. But you know what… Sorry, Matthijs, but I think I want to preserve what my father cherished. I wouldn't want to desecrate his favorite spot in the castle for the sake of looking for some runes..." He looked out over the garden, a somber expression clouding his face. "Anyway, we need to get you moving toward Slimonos Kingdom. You still remember where I showed you on the map?"

"Who do you think I am?"

"Right, let me give you the map, just in case." He smirked lightly as he handed it over and then turned away.

"Matt, stay safe," Fritz said with a slight nudge to my chest. "I'll make sure Joshua stays alive, so don't get lost out there, dummy."

"Why does everyone think I'm bad with directions!"

. . .

"Priest Kolman, the nuns are dead."

"Dead? They weren't enough for the Ubuians huh…"

"But Baron Thorne reported to us that Jean is dead."

"They might be stronger than expected. The leader according to Baron Thorne is Vadek Thaloria. He was in the army so he must've gotten stronger there because no way was Vadek that strong before he went. I fought him before, only his rune manipulation was good." Kolman sat there flipping through the scriptures, "Get the bishops then. Limit it to 2 because we do not want to scare the citizens of the kingdom at night. It'll become too big of a mission, and allow the use of runes."

"Yes. The bishops will answer to you, Cardinal Kolman." The archbishop finally bowed.

As he whispered a final prayer, he left the church and out into the streets. The kingdom busy as per usual. As he stepped into the sun, the citizens greeted him with smiles and flowers.

"Priest Kolman! Would you give us a prayer?"

"Of course! My lord, please bless these citizens with wealth and health today and forever. May we all thrive even in these tumultuous times, Amen."

"Amen." They sounded off in unison as the chatter grew stronger again. As he strolled through the street he closed in on a clinic.

"Priest Kolman, there is an Ubuian woring as a nurse in there." 

"I see…" He walked closer to the clinic and unfurled the curtains peeking inside to see the Ubuian in question.

She was quite tall, perhaps taller than Kolman was, but she wasn't very built, in fact, she was thinner than Vadek. Her white hair was short, ending near her neck and her lips were thin. She smiled without an ick of evil in her expression despite the complaints of the citizens. Each one avoiding her or showing a frown of disgust yet her smile unwavering. Yet amongst them, some citizens were completely fine with it.

Kolman looked on, his facial expressions unchanged yet within him, his blood was boiling. Each passing second of looking at that disgraceful race made his knuckles clench stronger. He averted his gaze.

These Ubuians smiling as if they didn't wipe out the entirety of our kingdoms. They must be taught a lesson.

. . .

"Hey, Vadek!" I shook his hand firmly. "Draken Kaelor at your service."

Undeniably, this man was not blessed in the looks department. His skin, tanned and rough, was riddled with acne that spread in clusters over his cheeks. His nose was bulbous, slightly crooked, and above his thick, almost chapped lips sat a sparse mustache, struggling to grow. His eyes were narrow, with one eye slightly lazier than the other, lending him a somewhat lopsided expression. His white hair, contrasting sharply with his complexion, was thinning at the crown, pulled back tightly and tied in a short, unkempt knot that barely held together.

"I'm Vaerya Selvic," came a voice beside him, cutting through the awkwardness. I turned to her and shook her hand as well.

She, on the other hand, was quite normal-looking, even pleasant. Her small, delicate face was framed by white hair tied up in neat braids that cascaded down her neck. Freckles dotted the bridge of her nose, adding a youthful touch, and her gray eyes were large, almost too large, giving her an expression of perpetual curiosity. Compared to Merilla, she seemed almost serene, her demeanor calm and composed.

"Everything is set," Joshua said as he finally handed the annotated map over to me. "Matthijs, take care." His eyes softened, a gentle warmth radiating from his smile, something I hadn't felt since Arlene.

I knelt and gave him a tight hug. "Thanks for everything so far. Don't worry, I'm too strong to die," I whispered.

Joshua chuckled. "Haha, you're an idiot. And remember... you'll reach there in two days on horseback. You need to stop using your runes the moment you enter the desert. Your mana usage will instantly attract the sandworms, the god of the sands."

"Worm? There's only one god, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't look like that." I turned to Merilla, who had her arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Take care of everything while I'm away," I waved at her as I walked toward the horses.

"No problem," she replied nonchalantly. I swung my leg over the horse, the movement fluid and practiced, and settled into the saddle. Joshua and Merilla backed away, waving as I gave a final nod and rode into the distance.

. . .

Fritz strolled through the city, a knife in its scabbard, as thick robes hung heavily from his shoulders. His head was covered by the hood, casting a shadow over his sharp features. On his map were seven locations he had to patrol throughout the day, ensuring the safety of the Ubuians.

Each sector's citizens reacted differently to the presence of an Ubuian in their midst, but it was generally a good step forward, fostering some measure of peace.

Fritz took shortcuts through the alleys to reach each location faster. Suddenly, a man stopped him. The stranger was almost as tall as Fritz, his body toned and strong, with broad shoulders that could easily knock someone out. A singular cross hung from his neck, its presence almost ironic.

Fritz glanced around, realizing they were alone. A chill ran down his spine as the realization dawned—this might be a hit job.

"Right. Before we get started, any last words?" Fritz asked, his voice steady but his hand inching toward his weapon.

"Now, now, I'm here on my own accord." The man smiled, his tone casual. "Cardinal—no, you call him Priest Kolman—he doesn't know about this, so we better wrap this up quickly so I can get back before lunch break ends."

Sub-Quest 6: Save Prince Joshua

Objective:

Prince Joshua is in immediate danger of being assassinated. The Archbishop, acting outside of Cardinal Kolman's orders, has accelerated the timeline and intends to eliminate Joshua before tonight. If he succeeds, the Ubuians will be eradicated from the kingdom. Save Prince Joshua to prevent this catastrophe.

Reward:

Soul Cleansing Fragment

Penalty:

- Soul-corruption: +2%